The 12-Piece Mum Capsule Wardrobe That Changed How I Get Dressed
When I became a mum, one of the biggest lessons I learned—especially through my first pregnancy and postpartum journey—was that getting dressed needed to be simpler. Life suddenly felt so full, and I didn’t have the time (or the energy) to stand in front of my wardrobe wondering what to wear.
That’s when I discovered the power of a mum capsule wardrobe. For me, it’s about having fewer pieces that all work together—clothes that are comfortable, functional, and still make me feel like me. Over time, I’ve built a 12-piece minimal wardrobe that carries me through the season, and honestly, it’s been a game-changer.
I’m sharing my approach here, not because I’ve cracked some secret code to style, but because simplifying has made such a difference to how I feel day to day. If you’ve ever stood at the preschool gates wishing you felt a little more put-together without the fuss, this might just help.
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What is a Mum Capsule Wardrobe?
A capsule wardrobe is a small collection of versatile pieces that mix and match easily. Instead of having a wardrobe bursting with clothes you never wear, you focus on fewer, high-quality items you love.
As a mum, this approach is a lifesaver. Between school runs, playdates, and everything in between, you need clothes that are comfortable, stylish, and practical — and that don’t take ages to style in the morning.
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The 12 Pieces in My Wardrobe
I like to think of my capsule as a toolkit. Each piece has a purpose, but the real magic happens when they mix and match. Here’s what I rely on:
1. The Everyday Tee – Soft, breathable, and easy to wash. Perfect with jeans or layered under a cardigan. This is a tee from UNIQLO with link to the store where you can get your own.
2. A Button-Down Shirt – Can be dressed up for work or thrown over leggings for a polished but relaxed look. The model in the image is wearing a button-down shirt from TBCo, link in title.
3. A Knit Jumper – Comfortable enough for the park, stylish enough for coffee with friends. The example provided is a young hearts jumper from Slow Love Knitwear, link in title.
4. High-Waist Jeans – A flattering fit that goes with everything. The image above is a pair of cropped straight leg denim jeans from Lucy&Yak, link in title.
5. Relaxed Trousers – Comfortable for moving around with kids but still smart enough to feel put together. The image above is a pair of our very own Daisy trousers, link in title.
6. Leggings/Joggers – Because some days, comfort truly is the priority. Above is an image of our own Penny leggings, link in title.
7. A Jumpsuit – Easy to throw on, feels like an outfit with zero effort, can be layered up and dressed up and down. Another piece from the Journy wardrobe, pictured is our Ada jumpsuit, link in title.
8. A Casual Day Dress – Great for warmer days, layering, or even just wearing around the house when you want to feel a little elevated. Picture is the Journy Lucy dress, link in title.
9. A Cardigan – Cosy, practical, and can double as a light jacket. Pictured is the golden moon star cropped cardigan from Claude&Co, link in title.
10. A Tailored Blazer – My “secret weapon” to instantly elevate even jeans and a tee. Blazer in image is from Anna James, link in title.
11. A Versatile Coat – Something neutral that works for school runs, errands, and evenings out. Coat pictured is from Paynter, link in title.
12. Trainers – Comfortable, stylish, and go with absolutely everything. Trainers in image are from Veja, link in title.
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Why a Capsule Wardrobe Works for Mums
The beauty of a capsule wardrobe is that it takes away decision fatigue. I know that whatever I grab, it will pair well with something else. On busy mornings, this saves me so much mental energy.
I also focus on quality over quantity. Fewer pieces means I can invest in fabrics that last, fit well, and actually feel good to wear. And because I’m re-wearing these pieces so often, they need to hold up to mum-life (spills, playgrounds, and endless laundry included).
Most importantly, this little capsule helps me feel like myself. It’s not about being perfectly styled every day — it’s about feeling comfortable, confident, and ready for whatever motherhood throws at me.
The Magic Is in the Mix
The real genius isn’t the pieces themselves — it’s how you pair them. A striped tee suddenly looks work-meeting-ready with a blazer and loafers. The same tee becomes playground-proof with joggers and sneakers.
The key rules I swear by:
1. Everything matches everything – Stick to a colour palette so you can dress in the dark and still look coordinated. (Helpful for mornings when the baby’s been up since 4 a.m.)
2. Layers are life – Layering adds style points and hides mystery stains.
3. Accessories change everything – A scarf, bold earrings, or even a statement coffee cup (don’t judge) can make an outfit look intentional.
But… Laundry?
I always get asked if I ever gets bored of my clothes. I don’t have time to get bored, besides, the less I have, the more I actually wear my favourites. And if I’m really craving something new, I just swap one piece each season.
Why It Works for Mums
· Less decision fatigue – You’ve got enough decisions to make (Rice cakes or apple slices?).
· Less clutter – Smaller wardrobe = less laundry mountain.
· More money saved – Fewer random “maybe I’ll wear it” purchases.
The Takeaway
Hester’s 12-piece mum wardrobe isn’t about deprivation — it’s about making space. Space for outfits you actually love, mornings that run smoother, and maybe even a second cup of coffee before you leave the house.
So next time you’re staring at a closet full of “nothing to wear,” remember: you might just need less.
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Ready to Build Your Own Mum Capsule Wardrobe?
If you’re feeling overwhelmed by a wardrobe full of clothes but “nothing to wear,” try starting small. Pick 10–12 pieces you genuinely love and see how many outfits you can create. You’ll be surprised at how freeing it feels to simplify.
At Our Journy, we believe clothes should be more than just something you put on — they should support your lifestyle, feel good, and last. If you’re ready to start your own capsule wardrobe for mums, explore our collection of timeless staples here.
